Regional Continuous Improvement Leader

Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions, committed to sustainability and innovation. With a vast manufacturing and distribution network, we deliver high-quality products across multiple industries while recycling over half a billion pounds of plastic annually. At ADS, we foster a culture where diverse perspectives drive better ideas, ensuring every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to make an impact.

The Regional Continuous Improvement Leader works as part of a team to lead the launch and successful implementation of Lean Manufacturing across one of our six multi-site regions.  The Regional CI Leader will be involved in all facets of operations, safety, quality, engineering, logistics, providing project and process improvement support.  The successful Regional CI Leader is able to develop and deliver LSS training content in both workshop environments and remotely by conference calls or webinars.  The Regional CI Leader is a mentor and coach for the factory leadership teams to strengthen capability in areas of lean operations and change management.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the development and implementation of lean culture, lean processes, coaching and teaching for all levels of the organization
• Lead local improvement teams both directly on selected projects and through other team leads as needed
• Mine and analyze data to support the project selection process
• Provide training and develop training-related materials
• Follow-up and audit project progress to ensure results are achieved and sustained
• Resolve implementation issues, creating and managing implementation communication processes, and ensuring consistency
• Utilize OEE and other tools to identify gaps in performance versus best practices, and then work with all levels of the plant in establishing and executing a strategy for improving them
• Generate correspondence, host conference calls, meetings and events to launch projects, and support initiatives
• Routinely engage and support Corporate leaders and task force groups to guide and/or manage improvement efforts
• Lead, assistant and develop deliverables such as standard work to sustain improvement efforts
• Using various project management tools and systems, prepare detailed plans, drive project performance and assure timely completion of goals and objectives
• Serves as the go-to expert for launching Lean processes and deployment strategies across the organization

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s of Science preferred in a field relevant to plant operations
• A minimum 10 years of experience in manufacturing setting, plastics preferred
• In depth knowledge of Continuous Improvement (CI) tools and Lean Six Sigma methodology
• Proven experience in Launching a Lean culture in a Manufacturing environment that has never had Lean
• Displays initiative, desire to drive change and is motivated to exceed expectations
• Proven project management
• Strong communication skills – shop floor through management
• Experienced transformational leader
• Required to travel 50%+

Skills & Competencies

• Strong foundation of the Microsoft Office suite of software, Visio, Smartsheet, project software
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Photography & video work
• Oracle, or other ERP systems
• Understanding of quality systems
• Facilitation and team building
• Management, Leadership and motivation
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Process design and improvement
• Project management & multi-tasking
• Leading and managing change
• Coaching and training
• Knowledge of Asset Management Programs
• Business and technical writing
• Understanding of our Safety systems, programs and engineering-related efforts
• Understanding or our Machine Tool Operations

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Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy*, an employee assistance program (EAP)*, and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs.

Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning*, paid parental leave*, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short-term and long-term disability*, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)*, adoption financial reimbursement*, tuition reimbursement*, voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children), and voluntary identity theft and fraud protection.

*100% paid by ADS.

Growth Opportunities & Global Presence: With a global network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers, ADS offers extensive opportunities for career growth and development in various locations around the world.

Inclusive and Creative Work Culture: ADS fosters a culture of passion, innovation, and continuous improvement, empowering employees to shape industry-leading solutions. We value diverse perspectives, recognizing that they drive better ideas, processes, and performance. Our workplace is built on respect, inclusivity, and shared responsibility, ensuring every team member feels valued and contributes to our collective success.

Innovative & Sustainability Focused: Advanced Drainage Systems is one of the largest plastic recyclers in North America, ensuring over half a billion pounds of plastic is kept out of landfills every year.

Learn More: https://www.adspipe.com/about-us

ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law